Humidor – Cuban and Box Humidor

Still got some organisation to do here, but its getting there.

New Arrivals: Partagas Presidentes

You will not see a review of these on this blog anytime soon. These are cigars that I plan to age a little, most people believe that these are harsh when young (these are 2013/14) and need 4-5 years. So my first real purchase that I am putting aside for the future…

 

 

Review: Partagas Minis

There are a number of Cuban mini’s on the market, whilst they are no replacement for a “proper” cigar, if you only have 5 minutes (or if its really cold outside), then they are a good option.

Appearance 5/10

These are not the prettiest cigars you will ever see, they have large veins for their size, and the wrapper is “nobly”. There is also no real distinct cap to the cigar.

Construction & Draw 7/10

These cigars are so small there is no real way for them to be plugged, the burn is even, and as these are so small they are very unlikely to have any burn issues.

Flavor 6.5/10

You do get a taste of a Cuban cigar, there is a hint of spice and a reasonably earthy taste, they are more rough and ready than your average Cuban, there is not a lot of subtlety and finesse on offer here.

Value 8.0/10

These are cheap but then again they are small. At around 6 GBP for 10 they do represent good value, they offer a “taste” of what a real cigar would be, just quickly! You can probably finish one of these as quickly as your friends who smoke cigarettes, but is that really what smoking a cigar is about?

Summary 6.5/10

These are great if you want a quick 5 minute smoke (perhaps when your friends nip out for a cigarette), but for my money the Cohiba Clubs are a better bet, no sooner have you started a mini then it is finished.

I would also suggest that these are so quick to smoke that for me there is none of the relaxation that I enjoy as part of the cigar experience.

Review: Partagas Serie D No 4

Apparently this is one of the most popular Cuban cigars on the market, and yet I have never smoked one before.

I really like Robust sized cigars, and having enjoyed the Juan Lopez No2, and the Bolivar Royal Corona, I was looking forward to this cigar, especially as many people rate this cigar very highly.

Appearance 9.0/10

The wrapper is a lovely brown, and is very well constructed. There were a couple of medium sized veins in the cigar I smoked, but the cap was well constructed and the pre-light aroma was lovely. I have to say that the band is a little nondescript, but I guess some would argue its classic rather than flashy.

Construction & Draw 8.0/10

Construction is excellent, its a firm cigar well packed with tobacco, the draw on this stick is extremely good, it produced a large volume of lovely smelling smoke. The reason this cigar only gets a 8.0 is that I had to use my lighter to correct the burn on two occasions, which was a little disappointing.

Flavour 9.0/10

The cigar started out surprisingly peppery, nothing overpowering or bitter, just stronger than I expected, coupled with this was a woody undertone. As you continue to smoke this cigar this peppery taste backs off, it starts to get smoother, and you begin to pick up a vanilla or creamy taste, the further you get the more pronounced these flavours are.  The last third of this cigar is absolutely delicious.

Value 9.5/10

The flavor, construction, and sophistication on this cigar, coupled with the fact that it retails for 12.00 makes this a good value cigar, and on a par value wise with the BRC.

Summary 9.0/10

This cigar shares the same format as the Bolivar RC, and it does remind you of the BRC as you smoke it. For me its has a little more depth of flavour, and there is a more noticeable transition of flavors as you smoke the stick, however the BRC seems stronger and more importantly “richer” as a smoke.

Choosing between the two really depends on how you are feeling, if you want a strong rich smoke go for the BRC, if you want a little more subtlety in flavour go with the No4, the main reason that this scores slightly less than the BRC is that I had to correct the burn on two occasions.